Page:The part taken by women in American history.djvu/50

Rh Unless one has attempted a research of the records, they cannot possibly realize how little has been written of the achievements of the women of the American Nation, notwithstanding the fact that since the landing of the Pilgrims women have stood side by side with the men in the marvelous development of the resources of the New World and the advancement of modern civilization.

The correct explanation of this curious phenomenon lies in the indisputable truth that the brave women who embarked on the Mayflower as the wives and daughters of the adventurous Pilgrims had always been subservient to the male members of their families. The Pilgrim Fathers, laboring under the influence of fanaticism, believed that the Old and New Testaments placed women under the domination of men. Acting upon this conviction, they appropriated the fruits of their women companions' self-sacrifice, intuitive knowledge, inventive genius, wise suggestions and natural diplomacy as their very own, without giving the women any credit whatever or making any note or acknowledgment of the influence and aid of the women who shared in all of the trials and hardships of the perilous voyage across the seas and in establishing homes in the wilderness of the New World.

The examples of the Pilgrim Fathers were followed by their sons for generations. The men, in keeping the records and in 'handing down the traditions, naturally neglected to "render unto Cæsar that which was Cæsar's." The few women shared nobly in the indescribable hardships and suffering experienced by the indomitable spirits who made the first settlements on the shores of New England. Neither history nor tradition has accorded to these women the meed of praise so justly their due. It is left to one's imagination to picture their patience, forbearance, fortitude, quick perception, dauntless courage and intelligence in discharging the duties that fell upon